How to Furnish an Airbnb? – [Plan Furnish Shine]

Do you really want to impress your guests? If so, have a beautiful property that is well decorated with the right furniture, color scheme, and essentials. 

Don’t even think that you can thrive in such a competitive rental market with that old property. Furnish it from scratch as per your guests to meet your revenue goals. 

However, setting up an Airbnb is more than just listing a spare room or apartment—it is about creating an experience that your guests will remember and want to return to. The results are more reviews, repeat bookings, and higher earnings. 

So, how can you furnish an Airbnb? What is the workflow of doing so? Are there any must-haves while doing so? This guide explains everything—read it!

1. Who Will Be Guests?
2. Create a Checklist and Mood Board
3. Mix Comfort With Functionality
4. Always Go for Durable, Easy-to-Clean Materials
5. Add Personal Touches
6. Don’t Forget Safety

1. Who Will Be Guests?

When pursuing your Airbnb furnishing journey, start with defining your guest segment. 

Are they gonna be families with kids, couples, solo travelers, digital nomads, or business professionals? This helps define the right amenities and style for the property. 

For example, families need bunk beds, cribs, and child-friendly features. 

On the other hand, couples want romantic, intimate settings. Digital nomads or solo travelers do need a workspace, fast Wi-Fi, convenience, and a quiet atmosphere. 

Keep the target guests in your mind and ask yourself: what kind of experience do you want to create? Will your Airbnb be a cozy, warm retreat? A stylish, urban loft? A luxury property? 

You might also need to change the design, layout, and amenities accordingly. 

For example, if your property has a minimalist bachelor-style layout, it might not suit a family of four looking for comfort and storage.

Let us add one more thing here! Your budget. It defines the way you furnish each room. 

Pro Tip! Don’t save money on aspects with high impact, such as beds, sofas, kitchen appliances, etc. Instead, you can cut your pride for decorative accents and less important stuff.

2. Create a Checklist and Mood Board

Once you have defined your guests and what you want to offer them, it is time to create a checklist and mood board you’ll need for the process.

A well-thought-out checklist ensures you don’t miss any key things in the process, while a mood board helps you visualize your Airbnb’s style and atmosphere.

Here is a detailed room-by-room checklist of what you’ll need in the process:

Whole Property

• Wi-Fi router
• Smart lock or keyless entry system
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Fire extinguisher
• Heating & cooling units
• Power strips and surge protectors
• Full-length mirror

Bedrooms

• Beds (sized appropriately for the space)
• Quality mattresses (medium-firm for most guests)
• Mattress protector
• Bedside tables and lamps
• Alarm clock or phone charger
• Blackout curtains or blinds
• Storage space (dresser, closet, hangers, luggage rack)

Living Room

• Comfortable sofa (consider a pull-out for extra sleeping space)
• Coffee table
• Accent chairs
• TV (Smart TV preferred)
• Streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, etc.)
• Throw blankets and pillows
• Rug (for comfort and style)
• Books or magazines
• Board games or card games

Kitchen/Dining

• Dining table and chairs
• Cutlery and utensils
• Plates, bowls, glasses, mugs
• Cookware (pots, pans, baking sheets)
• Cutting board and knives
• Refrigerator and stove
• Microwave, kettle, toaster, coffee maker
• Trash and recycling bins
• Basic pantry items (salt, pepper, oil, coffee, tea)

Bathrooms

• Shower curtain or glass door
• Non-slip bath mat
• Towels (2 per guest minimum)
• Gand soap, body wash, conditioner
• Tissues, toilet paper
• Hairdryer
• Basic toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, feminine hygiene products)
• First-aid kit

Outdoor Spaces (if available)

• Patio furniture (chairs, table, umbrella)
• Outdoor lighting or lanterns
• BBQ grill
• Welcome mat
• Planters or potted plants

Cleaning Supplies

• Broom, dustpan, mop
• Vacuum cleaner
• All-purpose cleaner
• Disinfectant wipes or spray
• Laundry detergent
• Dish soap and sponges
• Extra trash bags

NOTE: This is a detailed and complete checklist. If needed, break it into “must-haves”, “nice-to-haves”, and “bonus items” so you can furnish it in stages. 

After the checklist, the next step is to create a mood board.

A mood board is a visual representation of your design concept. It can include images, color swatches, material samples, furniture inspiration, textures, and decor ideas.

If you want to create a physical one, use magazine clipping. A digital alternative is to use Pinterest, Canva, Milanote, or other tools.

To create a mood board, the first step is to select a theme for your Airbnb. 

A few of the most famous ones are the following:

• Modern and minimalist
• Rustic farmhouse
• Boho chic
• Industrial loft
• Coastal retreat
• Scandinavian simplicity

If you don’t know about the traits of each theme, make sure you do a bit of research on the internet and find out their characteristics and what makes each different. 

Next, select a color palette. Select 3–5 colors that complement your theme.

You can bring variations in theme by using different textures like wood, metal, glass, woven fabrics, or ceramics. Doing so makes your design cozy and adds depth to it.

3. Mix Comfort With Functionality

While the beauty of Airbnb is important to catch attention at first glimpse, comfort, and practicality are more important afterwards. 

Therefore, combine and bring both comfort and functionality into every corner of the property to win positive reviews and repeat bookings. 

A well-designed Airbnb should be inviting, intuitive, and catered to the needs of travelers. 

Here are some tips and tricks to optimize each space for maximum comfort:

Bedrooms

Make them cozy and restful spaces. 

Invest in high-quality mattresses (memory foam or hybrid models). Guests always appreciate a great night’s sleep.

Provide plush pillows, soft sheets, and extra blankets.

Use soft, hotel-quality cotton sheets. White sheets are often best as they look clean and are easy to bleach if stained.

Include bedside lamps for reading and charging stations near the bed.

Consider blackout curtains for restful sleep.

Living Areas

Make them inviting and practical. 

Choose a comfortable sofa—consider a pull-out bed if accommodating extra guests.

Add a coffee table and side tables for convenience.

Provide entertainment options like books, board games, and a smart TV with streaming services.

Add a small desk with a chair if remote workers or digital nomads are your preferred guests.

Kitchen

Make it well-equipped. 

Bring in all essential appliances: microwave, stove, oven, coffee maker, toaster.

Stock up on cookware, utensils, plates, cups, and basic pantry staples (salt, pepper, tea, coffee).

Fill in salt, pepper, oil, tea, sugar, coffee, and condiments to make it convenient for your guests to prepare their meals.

You can also have reusable water bottles, a spice rack, and a welcome basket with snacks.

Bathrooms

Make them clean and well-stocked.

Provide fresh towels in different sizes (face, hand, bath)—at least 2 towels/guest. 

Offer hotel-quality toiletries (shampoo, body wash, conditioner, hand soap). You can even provide cotton buds, feminine hygiene products, and an air freshener.

Ensure there is a hairdryer and enough storage space to keep personal items.

Outdoor Spaces

Add patio furniture, outdoor seating, or a hammock for relaxation.

Provide outdoor lighting for the evening ambiance, such as solar string lights or a lantern.

A small grill or fire pit (if allowed) can be a great bonus.

4. Always Go for Durable, Easy-to-Clean Materials

Airbnb properties host a rotating cast of guests, so regular wear and tear occurs a lot faster than it happens in a typical home. 

The hosts also clean the properties after every checkout to make them ready for the next stay. 

The only way to withstand heavy use and regular cleanliness is to get materials that are durable and easy to clean. 

That said, here is a breakdown of the best choices for each aspect of your space:

Upholstery

It should resist stains and last long. 

On a property prepared for guests, furniture is the thing that is used the most—sitting, talking, watching Netflix, working, and even sleeping.

Therefore, the fabrics should resist spills, stains, and damage:

Leather or faux leather – Both materials are durable and easy to wipe down. You can buy any of these for sofas or chairs.

Microfiber – Soft, stain-resistant, and comfortable. It repels liquid and prevents deep stains.

Performance fabrics – These modern fabrics are designed for high-traffic areas. They resist water resistance and are easy to maintain. 

Washable slipcovers – If your Airbnb has lighter-colored furniture, get slipcovers that can be removed and machine-washed.

Flooring

It should be durable and practical. 

The overall upkeep depends a lot on the type of flooring you choose.

Therefore, go for materials that are both stylish and easy to clean:

Laminate or vinyl flooring – Affordable, water-resistant, and scratch-proof option for kitchens and living areas.

Tile – A perfect fit for bathrooms and kitchens with durability and moisture-resistant traits.

Engineered or hardwood wood – Looks stylish and adds warmth to the space. The best options are sealed or treated ones, as they last longer.

Low-pile carpets or area rugs – Carpets should be dark in color and low-pile for easy vacuuming and cleaning.

Bedding and Towels

It should be machine-washable and dry quickly. 

Bedding and towels are laundered very often in the entire rental. The best fabrics for this are the ones that wash easily and remain soft for a long while:

Cotton and linen blends – Best known for their breathability, comfortability, and ease of cleanliness.

Microfiber towels – Dry quickly and have good absorption capability. 

Dark or neutral-colored linens – Good to hide minor stains and keep bedding looking fresh.

Pro Tip! Keep at least two full sets of all linens and towels for quick turnover.

5. Add Personal Touches

Different properties can offer similar functionalities. Right? 

However, one thing that ensures your property is unique from all others is the personal touches you add to it. It is one way to turn a simple stay into a memorable experience. 

Personal touches create an emotional connection between the visitors and your property. This increases the chances of getting positive reviews and repeat bookings. 

You can use these things to add personal touches to your Airbnb:

Artwork and Decor

• Local or cultural artwork
• Handmade decor (textiles, ceramics, woven baskets)
• Mirrors and wall accents

Greenery

• Indoor plants that require low maintenance (snake plants, pathos, succulents); you can even go for real-like fake plants.
• Fresh flowers for special stays
• A small kitchen herb garden (if applies)

Thoughtful Extras

• Books and magazines (travel guides, novels, coffee table books)
• Board games and puzzles

• Local guides or maps
• Umbrellas, travel adapters, or a first-aid kit
• Welcome basket with snacks or coffee
• A handwritten welcome note

Technology Features

• Smart home features (smart locks, voice-controlled lights, digital thermostat)
• Charging stations with universal adapters
• Bluetooth speaker or music setup 

Local Recommendations and Guidebooks

• A curated list of restaurants, cafes, and attractions
• Public transport and navigation tips; simple instructions on using local transit, nearby taxi services, or biking options can be helpful.
• Event calendar or seasonal highlights (upcoming festivals, markets, or performances)

Think about these ways in order to add personal touches to the space. You don’t have to add them all, but only the ones you feel are worth adding according to your space.  

6. Don’t Forget Safety

No matter how beautiful or well-furnished your Airbnb is, nothing matters more than safety.

Whenever you furnish and/or prepare your Airbnb, safety should be one of your top priorities. Make sure you add all the safety features to the premises. 

The first thing you have to do is to bring the necessary fire safety features. 

The property should have smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and marked escape routes. If you have to provide candles, don’t go for the real ones—battery-operated candles serve the purpose. 

Next, take necessary measures to prevent minor accidents, like slips, trips and falls.

Always use non-slip mats or rug grippers, especially in hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Place furniture, cords, or decor in a way that it doesn’t block walking paths.

If you’re targeting families, add corner protectors on sharp coffee tables or low furniture. For the bathrooms, use rubber-backed mats to prevent any slips.

Guests can also face minor health issues or accidents during their stay. Therefore, you should keep a fully-equipped first-aid kit to show you care about their wellbeing. 

Include the following in the kit:

• Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment
• Gauze pads, medical tape, scissors
• Tweezers, pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
• Allergy tablets, burn ointment, cold packs
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Emergency contact numbers (local emergency services, your number, nearby hospital)
• Instructions on what to do in case of a power outage

Make sure you place the kit in an easy-to-access spot and label it. 

Ensuring safety isn’t just a legal obligation—it shows guests you care.

Conclusion

Furnishing an Airbnb is more than filling a space—it is creating a place where guests feel welcome and comfortable. 

When doing so, know who your guests are gonna be. Set a clear place and follow a checklist to stay on track. Mix comfort with functionality, and choose durable materials.

End the process by adding little personal touches that make a big difference.

These small efforts turn first-time visitors into repeat guests.